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Monday, December 23, 2013

I am having trouble believing that I have had this blog for 3 years! Yes, it was started on or about Jan 5, 2011—where have the years gone. Like all things it has changed over the years and although I like what it is now—it will probably change again somewhat-eventually!

When Sheri Carpenter, who was the person who convinced me to start this blog (and believe me that was not easy!) AND set the entire thing up for me (she is responsible for how pretty it looks) and literally babysat me through the entire learning process—I really was a royal pain in the neck-I wanted it to be about charities and books. My first ever post was a review for The Literacy Site. Then I got sidetracked.

At that point in time I still had a website with lots of really nice affiliate sites—but it never really took off and I have very recently let it go. I also picked up a couple of affiliate places that were blog friendly and started to blog and do giveaways of those items. I am still an affiliate of some of them—but no longer even attempt to sell! I am so not a salesperson—if someone buys-I’m happy—if not—no problem. I was wise enough to pick companies where I did not need a monthly quota nor did I have to pay for their websites.

People have been after me to do product reviews for like forever—truthfully unless I actually need or want the item—and remember I am 63—well I will do them once in a while and will put giveaways for other bloggers on my blog (for which I receive a rafflecopter link)—I have always been a reader—and used to buy books by the dozens—so I always had a bunch on hand. I started by doing giveaways of the books I owned and eventually found the rest of the book bloggers and more important-the publishers and authors found me! Now I read and review books that are sent to me which really helps since I now am semi retired!! There are giveaways with a lot of these lately-but the “gift’ is from the author or publisher or sponsor mostly). I definitely do not get paid for this nor am I an affiliate of Amazon. For a while I was able to review sites but then Google decided to drop my PR because of do follow links—I have gotten it back (8 months later)-but will no longer take the chance (unless it involves NO follow links).

Miki’s Hope has evolved over these three years into a Book and a Giveaway Blog-with some miscellaneous stuff thrown into the mix (like my Diabetes Saga) and of course Charities when anyone asks me--

Most recently I decided to recap my blog into a post which I will update daily and tweet, G+ and put on FB—you see all 3 of the major social media are going a little crazy lately and I am not playing their game—Heavens, you’d think these companies could learn to play nicely! With this change I might even be able to blog about my tyrant cat Baby more often!

One other change that has occurred is that I use Rafflecopter for my giveaways instead of comments—and on that note--

To celebrate Miki’s Hope 3 year anniversary and to thank each and every one of you for making Miki’s Hope what it is today- I am self sponsoring this giveaway (you will always know if I am self sponsoring!) I will be giving 1 lucky winner $50.00 Pay Pal. This contest is open World Wide to thank ALL my readers and of course as all of my self sponsored giveaways are—this will be short and sweet and easy as pie to enter. I would also like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Chanukah and a peaceful, wonderful New Year filled with family, friends and love!

I like the soft colors on your blog. It may seem like a little thing, but it matters. I suspect you did not choose the pale peachy-pink on accident, so thank you. Not being bombarded with bright garish hues makes a person want to stay awhile :)Mele Kalikimaka to everyone (bet you can guess what that means), and I'll go one further in case I do not get the chance to say it as the year changes. Hau'oli makahiki hou.

It's fun to look back at how we started sometimes isn't it? I started just over four years ago and my blog has totally taken on a life of its own since then. Good luck in the future and keep up the awesome posts :)

I enjoy the book reviews, while all the books are not my style, I have found some that are outside what I normally read that i have really enjoyed. It is funny how blogs grow and change as we do, luckily there are a lot of great fans that stay with us through it all.

I have to agree with another poster--your site is soothing to the eyes (and brain). I love the colour of the background, and the fact that there isn't glitz and bling and flashing stuff. It's easy to navigate.Have a wonderful holiday season! :o)

I love all the book reviews you do, it's amazing to me that you find time to do it, and make it seem so effortless. Thank you for hosting the giveaway that was nice of you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

You have Great Giveaways, always lots of different book reviews so if I'm interested I get an idea right there from the details. You have a very nice site too. Thanks for Giveaway and congrats on 3 years!!

I think I have followed your blog almost from the beginning, and I love the fact that you use rafflecopter for your giveaways. Sounds silly, possibly, but I remember the old way of doing your giveaways, and I was so glad when you changed! I have won a couple of giveways over the years, and I have seen your blog have its ups and downs. I have subscribed for quite a while, and I am so happy for you to celebrate this milestone!

It's amazing isn't it, how the time goes! I also have had a little blog and it's been going now since 2010. I think that a blog has its ebbs and flows, but if you love it, then it will survive. It's obvious that you love doing what you do, so I know we'll see you around for some time to come! Congratulations!

So generous of you. I understand completely what you are saying about choosing reviews to do. I only take ones that are really going to benefit someone in my family-since I'm pretty kid focused right now, it's lots of talk about toys and tv, Curious if you're picky with books to review like you were with products, or if you will review any book they send to you?

I like the design of your blog (the colors and how easy it is to navigate) and all the giveaways that you share. Thanks for the opportunities:)Happy New Year!! Hope you have a wonderful year and that you get all that you wished for:)

I enjoy many things about your blog, but I most like when you blog about your cat! Baby looks just like my cat, that we lost a few years back-best fur friend I ever had! So when you blog about Baby it makes me think of the past and smile!

Happy New Year Michelle! I love coming over and entering your giveaways, always simple and straight forward. No fussy, messy things to muddle through, plus you are AMAZING! and a very good listener, too!